Apparatus for removing residual thread from bobbins



J. J. WILSON Jan.' 4, 1949.

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March l2, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

#from/Er Jan. 4, 1949. ,.l. J. wlLsoN 2,458,326

APPARATUS RoR RRMovING RRSIDUAL THREAD FROM BoBRINs Filed March 12, 194'? 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 t ZI @A se* INVENTOR.

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By Ja/m/ J M/Msa/V Jan. 4, 1949 J.,J. wlLso 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12, 1947 v `10 Sheets-Sheet 5 y@ JNVENTOR. JoH/l/ d #Vaso/V /lrroeA/Ey Jan. 4,1949. I.1. J. w|| soNV v 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March l2, 1947 l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 -llllll um lllll IH Il f3 IMHIIIIU .lllll'll l Illu MIMI Illll I 50 f5 60 08 IIII , lug?? II .im m" ,l 60 I 75 JNVENTOR.

" Afro/euer APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March l2, 1947 J. J. WILSON Jan. 4, 1949.

10 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Jof/A/ J MM50/V Arron/Er Jem.V 4, 1949. J. J. wlLsoN 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12, 1947 1o sheets-sheet e l i 'l I '77 i i @W i -1 'I 76,- I|

INVEN TOR. Jaw/V y/ #VM SU/x/ /frroPA/Ey Jan. 4, 1949. .11.1. wlLsoN 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12, 1947 A l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 CHA/,u Moa/544540' Jan. 4, 1949. J. J. wxLsoN v f 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING' RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12,- 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 BY Jaf//z/ u m50/v ,4 TTOE/l/EY Jan. 4, 1949. J. J. WILSON 2,458,326

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12, 1947 1o Asheets-snaai sa Arron/EP Jan. 4, 1949.

J.` J. WILSON APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS Filed March 12, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 Arroz/usr Patented Jana 4, 1949 APPARATUS FOR REMOVING RESIDUAL THREAD FROM BOBBINS John J. Wilson, Watertown, Mass., assigner to Doelcam Corporation,y West Newton, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application March 12, 1947, Serial No. 734,284

30 Claims.

This invention relates to bobbin-stripping machines and more particularly to a machine for removing the remaining thread end from a used bobbin.

It is intended that the term bobbin as herein used be considered as a generic word for any article upon which thread is Wound in package form for storage or handling or processing purposes. Thus, the word bobbin is intended to apply to spools, reels, and like articles. Such bobbins are used largely in the textile industry to supply the material which is being fabricated in a subsequent process by weaving, spinning, winding, drafting or knitting, for examples. One instance of their use is the bobbin which is present in the shuttle of a loom to carry the weft thread.

When such bobbins are used in making up a fabric, it is impractical to wind all of the thread ofi of the bobbins, because if this is done the end of the thread may terminate in the fabric. To avoid such an occurrence, the bobbin is removed from the fabric making machine before all of the thread has been drawn off of the bobbin. A new filled bobbin is then substituted for this nearly depleted one. One common means for automatically ejecting a nearly depleted bobbin includes a device which continuously feels the bobbin to determine the amount of thread remaining upon it. When this feeler device no longer contacts the thread at a certain point on the bobbin, it is an indication that very little thread remains. 'Ihe bobbin is then automatically ejected from the machine, and a new filled bobbin is substituted.

It is necessary to remove from the ejected bobbin this small amount of thread which remains upon it before a new thread is wound upon the bobbin. This is important because if the small amount of residual thread were allowed to remain upon the bobbin, among other things its presence would be a false indication to the feeler device that the end of the new thread is not Yet approached. As a consequence, the new thread on the bobbin may be completely drawn off with the possibility that its end would occur Within the fabric before a new lled bobbin is substituted.

All of the thread should therefore be removed from the bobbin after it is ejected from the machine, but the removal of this residual thread is a laboriously manual task. It is necessary to find the broken end and to draw the thread off manually, and this loose end can be found only with difficulty. It is impractical to cut the thread cif the bobbin because this damages the bobb-in and causes sharp edges upon which the thread may become caught and be injured. The removal of this residual thread from the bobbin has consequently been an expensive manual operation.

Machines have been devised to remove the thread from the bobbin, but the machines heretofore manufactured have not been entirely satisfactory. For example, machines have been devised which remove the thread by the use of compressed air, but as a considerable amount of compressed air is required a large and expensive compressor unit is required. Moreover, the machines have not been satisfactory for the additional reason that they have not cleaned all of the bobbins passed through them. It has consequently been necessary to go through the bob- -bins which have passed through the machine in order to pick out the ones which have not been cleaned, and to return them to the machine. This has necessarily reduced the over-all capacity of the machine.

The machine of the present invention satisfactorily and effectively removed all of the thread from a bobbin. This is accomplished in a positive manner so that all of the bobbins being passed through the machine have the entire amount of residual thread removed from them. Moreover, the machine of the present invention is of small size and consequently occupies but small floor space, In addition, the machine of the invention has a low power requirement so that it is inexpensive to operate. Because of the novel design of the machine, it handles a large number of bobbins per unit of time so that one machine can handle the bobbin from a large number of fabric forming machines. Furthermore, the machine does not scar or otherwise scratch or damage the bobbins and thus saves the expense of more frequent bobbin replacement and reduces the number of defects in the yarn or other material caused by the use of damaged or otherwise scarred or scratched bobbins. These are the objects and accomplishments of the machine of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the machine is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure l is a side elevational View.

Figure 2 is aplan view.

Figure 3 is Aan elevational View of the left hand end of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a plan View of a portion of the chain carrier and associated parts, on an enlarged scale.

Figure 5 is a sectional View on the line 5--5 of Figure 4.

3 1 Figure 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a sectional View on the line`|1 of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a sectional View on the line 8-8 of Figure 1, on an enlarged scale.

Figure 9 is a sectional View on the line 9-9 of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a sectional view on the broken line Ill-IB of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a plan View of the hopper.

Figure 12 is a sectional view through the hopper, on the line |2| 2 of Figure l1.

Figure 13 is a sectional View similar to Figure 12, with the parts in the position they assume after the lowermost bobbin has been delivered.

Figure 14 is a sectional View on the line |4-I4 of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is an enlarged View of the left hand portion of Figure 1, the side plate being omitted.

Figure 16 is a sectional view on the line |6|6 of Figure 15. l

Figure 17 is a plan view of the conical rollers for drawing olf the thread. l

Framework The framework of the machine here illustrated includes a base plate 20 which is supported in an elevated position by means of legs 2| at its corners. The base plate 20 is of an elongated rectangular oblong form and preferably is a flat plate. Extending lengthwise of the plate and along the center thereof is a slot 22. This slot 22 terminates short of each end of the base plate 26.

The legs 2| at the corners of the base plate 20 Aare secured to the base plate by any convenient means as by welding. In the machine as actually devised the legs 2| are'preferably secure to the base plate 2|! by additional angle irons and by braces, but in order to illustrate the working element of the machine more clearly, such reinforcing members have been omitted from the drawing. Such reinforcing means may additionally include, for example, strengthening members extending both lengthwise of and transversely of the base plates 20. v If desired, the framework may be wheeled so that it may be moved about. To accomplish this, wheels, such as castors (not shown) may be attached to the lower ends of the legs 2|.

Secured to the top of the base plate 20, as by welding, for example, are upright plates 23 and 24. These plates are spaced apart from each other and extend lengthwise of the base plate 2U. It will be observed that the upright plates 23 and 24 extend substantially the full length kof the :base plate 2U and that they are spaced slightly irwardly from the longer sides of the base plate 2 To support plates 23 and 24 in their spaced apart relationship they are secured by cross tiebolts 25 and 26. The tie-bolts 25 are at the corners of the upright plates 23 and 24 and the tiebolts 26 are inwardly from the ends of the plates and at an intermediate height.

It will be understood that the tie-bolts 25 and 26 are shouldered at their ends so that the plates 23 and 24 may be clamped tightly thereagainst by the nut at the end of each tie-bolt in order to rigidly space the plates from each other.` It will also be understood that additional reinforcing or strengthening members may be provided for the upright plates 23 and 24, but that they have been omitted from the present drawing in are essential to support the operating element of s the machine.

Power drivek Y The source of power for the machine may be any prime mover as, for example, the electric motor 36 secured to base plate 20. This motor 3D preferably has an attached geary reducer 3| from both sides of which extends a shaft 32. To one projecting end of the shaft 32 is attached a drive pulley 33 which drives a larger pulley 34 through a belt 35. The pulley 34 is attached to a cross shaft 36 which is bearinged in any suitable manner in the upright plates 23 and 24. The shaft 36 is prevented from endwise movement by means of collars 3'1 attached thereto.

It will be observed that the pulley 34 is on the outside of the upright plate 23.

Between the plates 23 and 24 is a drive sprocket 38 which is attached to the shaft 36. A chain 39 connects sprocket 38 to a sprocket 40 upon a shaft 4|. Shaft 4| is also bearinged in'any suitablemanner inthe upright plates 23 and 24 and is prevented against y endwise movements by means of collars 42.

To the other projecting end of shaft 32 of the gear reducer 3| is secured a pulley 45. rPulley 45 drives a pulley 46 through a belt 4l. The pulley 46 is attached to a shaft 48 which is supported at its ends in upright standards 49. It is prefery and shaft 48 are driven by the common motor k3i! and its reduction gear 3|, but it will be apparent from the following description that it is entirely possible'to have separate sources of power for shaft 4| and shaft 48. l

It may be mentioned that if desired, a friction drive clutch may be interposed at any point within the driving elements. Such a friction drive will permit a slippage to occur between the driving motor and the driving elements ofthe machine itself in the event that some part of the machine becomes jammed. This provision is a safety factor and need not'be included unless thought necessary. l Y

Chain carrier drive The bobbins to be cleaned are carried through the machine by means of a chain drive. This includes two spaced chains 52 and 53. These chains pass over and are driven by sprockets 54 attached to the shaft 4|. At the other end of the machine the chains 52 and 53 pass around sprockets 55 which are attached to a cross shaft 56. Shaft 56 is bearinged in any suitable manner in the side plates 23 and 24 and are held against end-wise displacement by collars 5l.

The chains 52 and 53 preferably are of conventional roller construction. At regular spaced intervals along the length of the chains 52 and 53, the inner side links are provided with bolting lugs 58 as is best shown in Figure 5. Corresponding lugs 58 on the two chains 52 and 53 are directly opposite from each other.

Bobbzn supports Cross rods 59 are secured to the corresponding, i. e., directly opposite, lugs 58 of the two chains 52 and 53 by means of pins 69. It will be noted that all the cross-rods are spaced equally from each other.

Pivotally mounted upon each cross-rod 59 are two pivot holders 62 and 63. These pivot holders are identical in construction and therefore a description of the one will suice. Considering the pivot holder 62, it includes fork portions 64 through which are aligned holes to receive the cross-rod 59. Projecting in the opposite direction from the fork portions 64 is a rearward extension 65. This extension 65 projects rearwardly far enough to meet the next .cross-rod 59 and its rearward end is notched at 66, as shown in Figure 7, to receive the next cross-rod. The pivot holders are rotatably mounted upon one cross-rod 59 and are held in an upper position by contact cf their rearward portions 65 with the next succeeding cross-rod, as appears from Figure 7.

The pivot holders 52 and 63 on each cross-rod 59 are drawn toward each other by means of a spring 6l. This spring 6l is attached to lugs 68 projecting from the forked portions 64 of the two holders 52 and B3, which are disposed toward each other. To limit the movement of the pivot holders 62 and 63 toward each other, collars 69 are secured t0 the cross-rods 59 at spaced apart points.

Because or" the pivotal mounting of the holders 62 and 63 upon their cross-rods 59 and because of their pivotable connection at 66 with the next cross-rod, they do not interfere with the continuous movements of the .chains 52 and 53 around the sprockets 54 and 55. In passing around the sprockets the space between the pivot holders shortens because the chordal distance is less than the arc, and this is permitted because of the slot connection 66 with the next adjacent cross-rod 59. It will be noted that the rearward extension 65 contacts the cross-rod 59 between the forked projections 64 so that there is no interference between these portions.

Rotatably mounted within each of the pivot holders 62 and 63 is a pivot to hold the bobbin to be cleaned, and as here shown the pivots for the opposite ends of the bobbin are of different construction. (See Figure 6.) Considering rst the pivot in the pivot holder 62, this includes a shaft 'Il which is rotatably mounted in the pivot holder so as to be substantially parallel to the rod 59 and to be at a point substantially midway between two adjacent rods 59. Secured to the inner end of shaft 'H is a bobbin support element 'I2 which presents an outer forward conical surface to enter the bore hole through the bobbin. Secured to the other end of the shaft 'H is a lock member 13 which presents an `outer flanged portion which preferably is of hexangular shape. The purpose of the hexangular shape will be explained later. The elements '12 and 13 prevent endwise movement of the shaft ll within the pivot holder 52.

The pivot within the holder 63 is of similar construction as it includes a shaft 74 which is rotatably mounted within the holder 63 in such position as to be in axial alignment with the pin 1i. To the inner end of the shaft 14 is alxed a bobbin contact element 15 which may be of the same conical formation as the element 'I2 to enter the hole in the bobbin. However, the support 15 shown here is intended to be used with a bobbin having one end smaller than the other, and for this reason the support 15 has an inner conical surface into which the small end of the bobbin seats to be centered thereby. To the opposite end of the shaft 74 is aixed a member 'I6 which provides a hexangular peripheral surfac-e, corresponding to the member '13.

Withdrawal of bobbin pivots ln order to receive a bobbin between the two holders l2 and l5 it is merely necessary to separate the holders 62 and 63. This is accomplished by sliding them along the supporting rod 59 in a direction opposite from each other and against the pressure exerted by the spring 6T. To accomplish this separating movement, each holder 62 and 63 is provided with `a roller ll. (See Figure 7.) This roller il is pivotally mounted upon a shoulder bolt 'IS which passes vertically through each of the holders 62 and 63. At the proper time these rollers ll Contact their respective cam plates '59, and this urges the holders 62 and 63 away from each other so that the space between them is widened and a bobbin may enter between them.

As here shown, these cam plates 19 against which the rollers 'il contact, are supported on the under side of a cross plate 80. (See Figure 9.) This cross plate 69 rests upon and is attached to the upright plates 23 and 24 at the proper point along their length. The cam plates i9 are each provided with a forward inclined portion 8i as shown in Figure 8 against which the rollers il initially contact. The bobbin pivots 'i2 and 'i5 and their respective holders 62 and 65, are urged away from each other by the cams i9, to cause the cleaned bobbin between them to be discharged, and also to permit the bobbin to be cleaned to be inserted between them.

Cleaned bobbin discharge chute The arrangement of the chute for discharge of the cleaned bobbins will b-e explained at this point because lthis chute affords a support for other structure of the machine, as will later appear,

The chute consists of a channelled member having side walls 62 and 63 and a bottom sloping wall 66. This chute extends through an opening in the side wall 24, transversely of the machine and nearly to the other side wall 23, as appears from Figure l0. To hold the chute in place, the side walls32 and 83 have outwardly bent ilanges 35 which are screwed or welded to ie side wall 25.

The discharge .chute is located at Such a place lengthwise of the machine, that it is beneath the cams i9 which separate the bobbin carriers l2 and l5. As a consequence, when the cams 'Il strike the inclined surfaces 8| of cams 19, the bobbins drop into the discharge chute and slide along the inclined bottom wall 84 thereof to a point aside of the machine. The cleaned bobbins leaving the chute may be collected in any suitable receptacle.

Bobbz'n supply It has been stated that the bobbins to be cleaned are carried about in the machine by means of the holders 12 and 'l5 supported by chains 52 and 53. It has also already been pointed out that the holders 'l2 and 'l5 are withdrawn from each other by means of cams 'i9 so that the bobbins may enter between them. The present machine includes a hopper and bobbin supply means for delivering a bobbin between each pair of holders 'l2 and l5.

It may rst be stated that the bobbin supply means deposits a bobbin in such position between the chains 52 and 59 that when the holders 'l2 and 'l5 snap toward each other, the holders will grasp the bobbin. I That is, when the rollers 'Vl on supports 92 and' 63 leave the cams 'i9 and the holders l2 and l5 move toward each other, a bobbin should have been deposited in such position that the holders 'l2 and l5 willengage the bobbin.

The hopper into which the bobbins to be cleaned are placed includes two spaced apart upright plates 8l which have anged bases 88 by which they are attached to cross plate 89. The forward vertical edges of plates 8'1 (forward with respect to the direction of travel of chains 52 and 53) have anges 89 which are turned inwardly from the plates 8l so that they are directed toward each other. These anges 89 continue part way along the top sloping edges of plates 8l as indicated at 99 and terminate in upturned lips 9|.

Aflxed to the inner sides of plates 81 are ilanged members 92 which may be adjustably attached to plates 8l due to the screw and slot connections indicated at 93. These members 92 have flanged portions 99 which are spaced from and approximately parallel to portions 89 of the flanges of plates Sl. Also the flanged portions 95 of members 92 are parallel to the portions 99 of the flanges of plates 91. The flanged portions 95, however, extend rearwardly beyond lips 9| to provide an open ledge upon which the bobbin to be cleaned may be placed.

As is apparent from Figure 12, therefore, the flanges 89-99 and 99-95 cooperate to form channelled guideways for the bobbins. By spacing the flanges 99-95 atthe proper distance from flanges 99-99, the bobbins will be required to move downwardly to the exit at 99 in a singlefile manner. It should be observed that this exit 99 is kvpositioned ahead of the plate 99 so that the bobbins can drop free of plate 99.

To control the delivery of bobbins from the exit 96 so that only one is discharged at a time and at intervals corresponding to the pairs of holders 'l2-l5, a gate mechanism is provided. This gate mechanism includes gate lingers 98 which normally underlie the exit 99 to prevent delivery of a bobbin until the proper instant. Fingers 9B are a part of a bar 99 which extends the full length of the spacing between the upright plates 8l' and has inturned ears |99. These inturned ears are pivoted by pins |9| to the forwardly and upwardly extending portions of brackets |92. The brackets are attached to cross plate 89.

A spring |93 is attached to one of the brackets |92 and to one of the ears |99 at a post |94 thereon to serve to draw the gate ngers 98 beneath the exit 96. This action of the spring |93 is limited as the lbar 99 bears against the iianges B9. If the bar 99 is turned about pivots |9| against the action of spring |93, the gate fingers 98 will be moved away from the exit 96 and the bobbin resting on the lingers will drop.V It will 8 be apparent however, that if only the gate ngers 99 were present to control the delivery of the bobbins, more than one bobbinwould frequently drop from the exit 96 at one time, when the fingers 98 are withdrawn.

The gate mechanism, consequently, includes means for holding back all of the bobbins above the one which is being discharged from the exit 96. ThisY hold-back means includes vangles which are adjustably attached to a bar |96 located on the opposite side of exitv 96 from the bar 99. The ends of bar |96 extend beyond the upright plates 8l through openings |91 therein and these ends are turned inwardly and pivoted on pins |9|.

A spring ||9 is connected to bar |96 at and to post l|99 and this spring`||9 tends to draw the angles |95 into the space between the flanges 99 and 94. However, a shoulder at ||2 on the inturned end ofbar |96 bears against the post |99 and serves to hold the angles |95 outside of the space between the flanges 99 and 94. It is apparent therefore that when the parts are in the normal position shown in lFigure 14, the bobbins are held up by the gate fingers 99 and the hold-back angles |95 are in an inactive position.

When bar 99 is moved to withdraw the lingers 98 from beneath the exit 99, the spring ||9 acts to move the hold-back angles |95 into the space between the lowermost bobbin and neXt higher bobbin so that this next higher bobbin cannot fall. When the gate lngers'99are sufficiently withdrawn, the lowermost bobbin drops out. The

springy |69 permits a full opening movement of ngers 99, after the bar |96 strikes against the flange 99. n

After the lowermost bobbin has been delivered, the hngers 99 are allowed to move to their normal position under exit 96, under the influence of spring |93. When 'post |94 strikes against shoulder ||2, the hold-back angles |95 are moved out of their active position and the bobbin which has rested on angles |95 drops down on lingers 99. This delivery of a bobbin from exit 96, as has been stated, occurs periodically just before the passage of a pair of bobbin holders 'l2-15, beneath exit 99.

To periodically operate the bobbin delivery means, one of the inturned ears |99 of the bar 99 has an upward extension H3 which serves as a lever arm. A link l i4 connects extension ||3 to an upright arm |99 affixed to a cross shaft H5. The shaft |l5 is rotatably mounted in bearings H6 secured to the tops of side plates 23-29. Also aflixed to shaft ||5 is a depending arm `which extends downwardly far enough to be contacted by crossrods 59 at a point close to chain 52 or 53.

The'depending `arm |'i should be so positioned lengthwise'of the machine that it will be tripped by a passing rod 59 at the proper moment to lcause a bobbin-to be delivered just in advance of a pair of holders 'l2-l5. As there is a pair of holders v'12v-'l5 for every cross rod 59, a bobbin will be delivered for every pair of holders l2-l5, and a synchronous relationship is therefore established. L

It has been stated that the holders 'l2- 15 are urged apart from each other by the coaction of cams l9 and rollers 1l.v These cams T9 maintain the holders lli-'l5 apart until the holders are axially in line with the axis of the bobbin just discharged from the hopper. At the moment that this axial alignment is reached, the rollers 11 leave the cams 'i9 and the holders '|2-'|5.m0ve toward each other and pick up the bobbin.

Means are provided to accurately position the bobbin which has just been discharged from the hopper, so that it will be in the proper place to be engaged by the holders 'I2-TE. This means includes a pair of flexible leaf supports ||2| which are so located as to contact the bobbin just inwardly from its ends. The leaf supports |29|2| are attached to an inverted channel member |22 which is fastened to a bracket plate H9. Bracket plate lie is secured to the upper edge of side wall 83 of the delivery chute The leaf support |29 of each pair has an upturned free end |23. The leaf support |2| is shorter than leaf support |20 and is formed with a hump |24 at its free end. It will be observed that the hump 24 and upturned end |23 c0- operate to form a trough between them and that this trough is directly beneath the exit 96 from the supply hopper. from the hopper, the bobbin therefore falls into this trough and is retained therein in the proper position to be picked up by a pair of holders 'I2-J5. After the bobbin is engaged by a pair of holders, the leaf supports |23 yield downwardly to permit the bobbin to advance with the movement of chains 52-53.

To assure linear movement of the holders T52- '15 in the proper position as they are about to move toward each other and pick up the bobbin, the chains 52-53 each pass between a pair of guide rails which contact the rollers of chains 52-53. These rails serve to prevent any sagging or lifting movement of the chains 52-53 in the region of the supply hopper and also assure Contact of rollers TI with cams 19. The guide rails |25 are supported by the side upright plates 23-24.

Thread end removal from Dobbins The bobbins to be cleaned,iwhich` are carried along by the chains 52-53 in the manner described, pass around the sprocket wheels 55 and are moved along with the under iiight of chains V:i2-53. Here, the bobbins are immediately brought into contact with the peripheral surface of a brush |26` This brush is rotated in such a direction that its periphery at the point of contact with the bobbin, is moving in the same linear direction as the linear movement of the bobbin. The relative rates of these linear speeds will be later referred to.

t may be explained at this point that the brush 2$Vserves the important function of nding the outer end of the thread on the bobbin and lifting this end away from the bobbin. This is a foremost feature of the invention as this arrangement serves to accomplish by mechanical means what is ordinarily performed by manual effort. Briefly stated, the outer end of the thread on the bobbin, is picked up by rotating the bobbin while in contact with the brush, and at the same time effecting a relative tangential movement between the bobbin and the brush surface. The rotation of the bobbin preferably is in the same direction that the thread is wound on the bobbin. Thus, if the bobbin, when regarded from one end, has the thread wound thereon in a clockwise direction, the bobbin should be rotated against the brush in a clockwise direction to cause the thread end to be picked up and lifted away fromv the bobbin.

In the machine illustrated here, it is intended that the bobbins all be placed in the hopper in When a bobbin is droppedr such a position that when the machine is viewed from one long side, the thread on each bobbin will be wound thereon in a clockwise direction. This placement of each bobbin in the hopper does not require inspection of the thread on each bobbin, as it will be known in each situation how the threads are wound on the bobbin relative to a certain end of the bobbin. For example, with tapered bobbins, for the same looms and weaves, it will be known that if their large ends are all placed in the hopper in the same direction, the threads thereon will be all in the same direction. The machine here illustrated includes mechanism for rotating the bobbins in a clockwise direction when they are in Contact with the brush and this mechanism will be described later.

It has been pointed out already that in addition to the rotation of the bobbin while in Contact with the brush, there should be a relative tangential movement between the brush and the bobbin. This relative movement should be such that afterthe thread end has been picked up by the brush, this relative movement will tend to draw the thread off of the bobbin and extend it out in a generally linear direction. rlhis action serves to prevent the thread from collecting at one point or bunching up in such a manner that the free end will be obscured.

It will be apparent that the linear movement of the chains 52-53 in advancing the bobbins may alone be relied upon to draw the thread end out after it has been picked away from the bobbin, and that independent rotation of the brush is not in 'this case essential, particularly if the bobbin were rotated and wound in the opposite direction from that which has been described. In fact, the invention contemplates the use of a stationary brush and reliance alone on the rotation of the bobbin and linear movement of the bobbin with the chains 52-53, and if this arrangement is practiced, the surface may be planar and be parallel to the linear movement of the bobbins. In like manner, the invention contemplates the accomplishment of the relative tangential movemen-t between the bobbin and the brush by rotation alone of a cylindrical brush such as i26, which is illustrated, the linear movement of the bobbin being at this time arrested. Moreover, the invention can even be practiced by rotating the bobbin in a direction counter to 4the winding of the thread on the bobbin, if the bobbin is also advanced (or the brush is advanced) in such manner that the relative movement between the bobbin surface and brush is less than that due to the rotation alone of the bobbin, as this will serve to pick away the thread end.

However, it is preferable that the relative tangential movement between the bobbin and brush be effected by the combined rotation of a cylindrical brush and the constant linear vtravel of the bobbins. For this reason the machine here illustrated embodies these movements. It will be observed that the periphery of the brush, at the point of contact is moving in the same direction as the bobbins are carried by the chains 52-53. This serves to advance the removed thread in the same general direction with the advance of the bobbin so that the thread will be carried down substantially vertically away from the bobbins.

Rotation of the brush |26 is accomplished by attaching it to a shaft |27 which is rotatably mounted in bearings |23. The brush |26 extends upwardly through the slot 22 in base plate 29 so that its upper side will contact the bobbins lbeingil carried along by the` under iight of chains 527-53.

Bearings |28 are adjustably secured to hangers |29 depending from the under side of base plate 20. A chain sprocket |35 is attached to shaft |21 and a chain |3| is caused to bear against'sprocket |30 by means of an idler |32 rotatably carried by rthe hanger |29 adjacent sprocket |36. Chain |3| passes over a sprocket |33 which is attached to a l shaft |34 rotatably mounted in bearings |35 secured at openings in upright plates Z3-24.

Also attached to shaft |34 is a sprocket |35which engages with the upper flight of main chain 52.

The movement of chain 52 therefore servesto drive sprocket |36 and by this power take-off means, the brush |26 is rotated. The chain 52'is maintained in engagement with the sprocket |35 bythe conjoint action or rails |25 and a second y pair of rails |31 through which the chain passes.

Rails |31 are carried by the sidey upright plate 23. Sprocket |36 is positioned in the space between rails |25 and |31.

The movement of chain |3| is also utilizedto cause rotation of the bobbins about their own axes when they are ea-ch in contact with brush |26. To accomplish this, chain |3| engages a sprocket |40 which is secured to a shaft |4| This shaft |4| is rotatably mounted in bearings |42 mounted on the side plates 23-24 and the shaft is held against axial movement by collars |43 affixed thereto.

An arm |44 is rotatably mounted upon the shaft |4| and to provide a larger bearingsurface upon shaft |4|, an elongated bushing |45 is attached to arm |44 and shaft |4| passes through posite direction the arm extends a short distance and beneaththe adjacent cross tie-bar 26. The tendency for the longer side portion of arm |44 to fall down upon the brush |25` is limited by a stop bolt |41 threaded into the shorter portionv of arm |44 and bearing upwardly against tie-bar 26.

This bolt |41 is adjustablein arm |44 to vary the extent to which the long portion of arm |44 can drop toward brush |26. r

Two parallel shafts |48 and |49 are rotatably carried by arm |44, above brush |25 and to provide an elongated bearing contact these shafts rotate in bushings and |52 secured within arm |44. Pulleys |53 and |54 are affixed to shafts |48 and |49 respectively, and a belt |55 passes around these pulleys. A collar |56 is secured to shaft |48 and a sprocket |51 is secured to shaft |48 opposite from pulleys |54 and |55 and prevent endwise movement of these shafts. Sprocket |51 is driventhrough chain |58 by a sprocket |59 attached to shaft 4 It has been observed that shaft 4| is rotated by a sprocket |46 thereon which meshes with chain |3|. Shaft |4| drives shaft |49 and the belt |55 y is thereby continuously driven. It will be lobserved that this movement cf belt |55 is not interfered with by a rocking movement of arm |44 about shaft |4|, as arm '|44 and sprocket |59 have in common, the axis of shaft i4 The bobbin which is in contact with the brush |26 is rotated about its axis by the action of belt |55. The lower flight of belt |55 is substantially horizontal and therefore parallel-,to the directionk of movement of the bobbins as they are carried v along by chains i12- 53. When a bobbin meets the traveling belt |55, the arm |44 can rise slightly by rocking about shaft |4|, and the belt |55 then bears downwardly on the bobbin with suflic'ient frictional contact to rotate the bobbin While the bobbin is in engagement with brush |26. It will be observed that in the machine illustrated the bobbin-is rotated by belt in a direction opposite from the tendency of the lbrush |26 to rotate the bobbin, but it has already been noted that this is not a necessary relationship although it is preferred.

The combined action of the rotation of the` bobbins about their own axes and the translation of the bobbins relative to the brush surface acts to pick out the thread end on the bobbin and to move it away from ythe bobbin. This thread rend. willbe caught on the bristles of the brush |26 and this brush |26 will carry the thread away from the bobbin. After this action has occurred and the bobbin has left the belt |55, the rotation of the bobbin should preferably be arrested, as otherwise so much thread may be quickly unwound fromthe bobbin that it will not be taken up byv brush |25, but will be carried around the bobbin and become entangled on the bobbin. moment that the bobbin leaves the belt |55, therefore, a braking raction should act on the bobbin.

In the present machine, this brakingaction v does not act directly on the bobbin, although this is contemplated,` but instead the brakes act on the holders 12 and 15 and thereby serves to stop rotation of the bobbins. It has been explained that the bobbin supports 12 and 15 are attached to shafts 1| and 14, respectively, and that lock members 13 and 'lare attached to these shafts, respectively. These lock "members 13 and 16 therefore rotate with the supports 12 and 15, y and the bobbin carried thereby. Rotation of the lock members 13 `and 16 is stopped by their'contactwith brake plates |6| carried by the-base plate 20..

When the lock members 13 and 16 reach the brake `plates |6|, their rotation is stopped due to a flat side on the periphery of the lock members.

v Itis for this reason that the perpheries of the lock members 13 and 16 are flattened and, as here shown, are of hexangular shape. The action of brake plates |5| will stop the rotation of the supports 12 and 15 and this will stop the rota' mentioned that the braking action of plates ||i| preferably starts immediately after the bobbin leaves belt |55, and this braking action preferably continues for a distance approximately equal to the spacing between the bobbins. By the time that the bobbin reaches the beginning ofthe braking action, the thread end on the vbrush |26 preferably should be carried about a third ofthe way around the brush and the `brake keepsthe thread from goingaround further so that the' thread at the end of brake surface assumes ap- At thel The length 0f this flight 13 proximately the position of the thread portion indicated at 62.

Before explaining the action of the thread drawolf means which follows next, it may be mentioned that although a brush |26 has been referred to, this element may have some other surface which will pick out the thread end from the thread on the bobbin. Thus, the element at |26 may have a soft fabric surface, but it is preferred that it have a bristled or setaceous surface. Also, while the belt |55 is preferably made of rubber, it may be made of leather or of some other material which will frictionally contact the bobbin.

Thread draw-0,0 means The thread is fully drawn off of the bobbins by a pair of conical rollers |63. The small ends of these rollers are toward and close to the cylindrical brush |26 and their shafts |64 are rotatably mounted in bearing blocks |65 attached to the base plate 20. The larger ends of the rollers |63 extend nearly to the motor end of the machine and at this end their shafts |64 are rotatably mounted in hangers |66 depending from the base plate 26.

Rollers |63 are disposed close enough together so that they contact each other along their entire lengths and this meeting zone is directly beneath the slot 22 through the base plate 26. In this respect, the rollers |63 should be so disposed that the point of contact between their smaller ends is in line with the thread portion |62 extending between the bobbin and brush |26. Continued movement of the bobbin with chains |52| 53 will therefore draw the thread portion |26 to and between this meeting place between rollers |63. The rollers will then grasp the thread and pull it downwardly away from the rollers, and will also pull the short portion |62 away from the brush |26.

It will be clear that the rollers |63 are rotated in opposite directions and so that they are moving downwardly away from the bobbins at their meeting zones, as this serves to pull the thread olf of the bobbins. To rotate the rollers |63, pulleys |61 are attached to shafts |64 and these pulleys are driven by belts |68 from pulleys |69 on shaft 48. Belts |63 pass through openings |'|6 in base plate 26 and it may be observed that these belts are twisted as shaft 48 is nearly at right angles to shafts |64.

The conical formation of the draw-01T rollers |62 is a desirable, but not an essential formation. By having them of conical shape they exert a slow pull on the thread and therefor start the bobbins to rotate slowly as the thread is pulled olf. As the bobbin is moved by chains 52-53 to the larger end of the rollers |62, the increasing peripheral speed of the roller surfaces gradually increases the pull off speed of the thread. As a result, there are no shocks on the thread which might break it and the final unwind may be at a high speed. This makes it possible to use shorter rollers |62 than could be used if they were cylindrical and of the same size as the small ends. Guide rails |12 for chains 52-53 resist this downward pull exerted on the threads in unwinding the bobbins.

Rollers |62 should be of sufhcient size to draw off all of the thread on each bobbin by the time the bobbin is at the large end of the rollers. In this continued withdrawal of the thread from the bobbin, it will be clear that it moves downwardly, as indicated at |13, through the elongated slot 22 in base plate 26. The cleaned bobbin is carperiodically removed simply by cutting the threads off as by a knife. If the rollers |63 are made of smooth surfaces, the threads may be removed by breaking up the continuity of the .g smooth surfaces by lengthwise slots and into these slots a knife or other object may be inserted to quickly facilitate the removal of the thread. If this latter arrangement is employed, the rollers |63 should be so assembled that the slots will not meet one another at each rotation.

Operation and general arrangement Although the operation of the machine has been referred to in the above description of the elements of the machine, a summary of this operation may be stated at this point. The bobbins to be cleaned are all placed in the hopper in such a manner that their threads will be unwound by clockwise rotation of the bobbins when the machine is viewed from the side at which the brush |26 has a clockwise rotation. As has been pointed out, this involves simply placing all of the large ends of the bobbins in the supply hopper, in one direction, since it will be known that this will uniformly locate the bobbins from similar groups of machines so their threads will be unwound upon clockwise rotation. The bobbins are placed on flange 95 of the hopper and they descend by gravity between flanges 89 and 94 to the exit at 96.

In setting up the machine, the upright plates 23 and 24 and the parts carried by them should be so positioned on the base plate 26 that the thread remaining on the bobbin will come into contact with the brush |26. This involves merely the shifting of the assembly, of which plates 23 and 24 are a part, laterally to one or the other long side of base plate 26 and aflixing plates 23 and 24 at this location. This lateral adjustment is accommodated by shifting pulley 34 to the proper position along shaft 36. When the correct relationship is established, the thread ,on the bobbins will be directly over slot 22 in base plate 26.

The bobbins are delivered seriallyfrom the exit 96 of the hopper by withdrawal of the gate ngers 98. The bobbin which is above this bobbin about to be delivered is held back by movement of the hold-back angle |65 between these bobbins. This serial discharge of a bobbin is controlled by contact of cross-rods 59 with arm ||1 which is operatively connected to this gate mechanism. As a result of this, a bobbin is delivered for each pair of holders T12- 15.

The bobbin delivered from the hopper drops upon the flexible leaves |26|2I and is held by them in such a position that the holders T12-15 will engage the ends of the bobbin. Holder 12 is of conical shape to enter the bore at the large end of the bobbin, and holder 15 may be of conical or cup-shape to seat over the small end of the bobbin. Holders 'l2 and 15 are separated from each other by the coaction of cams 'I9 and rollers 11 until the instant that holders 12 and are in line with the bobbin axis. At this moment the rollers 11 drop on' of cams 19 and the holders 12 and 15 ymove toward each other and pick up the bobbin.

The bobbin is carried by chains 52-53 into contact with the rotating brush |26 and while in contact with this brush the bobbin is rotated about its own axis by contact with friction belt |55. This serves to remove the thread end from the bobbin and to draw oi a short length of thread. After the bobbin leaves the belt |55, rotation of the bobbin is arrested by the braking action of brakes |6| against the bobbin holders 12-15.

The short length of thread pulled off of the bobbin is caught between conical rollers |63 which serve to pull all of the thread oii of the bobbins. chains 52-53 to the top night and upon contact of rollers '|1 with cams 19, the holders 12-15 are separated and the cleaned bobbin drops upon the 1 sloping bottom wall 84 of the discharge chute.l

The cleaned bobbins are moved by The apparatus maybe used with other types of .thread carriers than the conical bobbins illustra-ted. For example, if ordinary spools having large flanges are used, the hopper may be similar to the one illustrated but of larg-er size, It is i even possible, with such large spools, to dis-pense with the gate mechanism and to let the spools fall successively between the cross-rods 59 since this space is only large enough to accommodate one spool. In this case. the holders 12-15 are midway between the rods 59. In handling spools of such large size the spools may fall directly upon the upper surface of member |22, as the yieldable leaves |2I|2| will not be necessary. Other similar adjustments or modications may be madev in the illustrated machine to permit its use with different sizes and shapes of thread` carriers.

It will be apparent that the thread-end finding means which here involves the brush |26, and the means including belt |55 for rotating the bobbin.

may be used alone if desired. Thus, this mechanismof the complete machine may be used to iind and pick out the thread end and to pull off a short portion of the thread. Thereafter, the thread can be entirely removed by other means vsuch as by manually grasping this withdrawn thread portion. Such an expedient may be resorted to, to reduce the len-gth of the apparatus required. Moreover, the bobbins to be cleaned could befed to such 'a thread-endy removing mechanism by hand or by using the automatic hopper supply which has been illustrated.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a member pre-y senting a yieldable thread-clinging surface, and means acting independently of said member -for rotating the bobbin with its thread in contact with said setaceous member and effecting a relative tangential movement between them, and

`means acting independently of said member and in the same direction that the thread is wound on the bobbin, whereby the thread-vend is picked away from the bobbin.

5. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a setaceous member, means for supporting said bobbin with its thread in contact with the surface of said member, means acting independently of said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with said setaceous member and in the same direction that the thread is wound on the bobbin,"and

.means for driving said member so that its surface moves counter to the direction in which the bobbin surface is moving at its zone of contact with said setaceous member,` whereby the thread- .end is picked away from the bobbin.

6. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a setaceous member, means for bringing the thread into contact with said ysetaceous member and effecting a relasetaceous member, means for rotating said member, means for supporting said bobbin with its thread in contact With the rotating'member, and means acting independently of said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with said setaceous member and in the same direction that the thread is wound on the bobbin, whereby the thread-end is picked away fromy the bobbin..

8. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a cylindrical setaceous member, means for supporting said bobbin with its thread in contact with the rotating member, means acting independently ofY said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with said setaceous member and in the same direction that the thread is Wound on the bobbin, and means for rotating said member in the same direction that the bobbin is rotated, whereby the thread-end is picked away from the bobbin.

9. Apparatus for removing the residual thread .ber in the same direction of linear movement of the member at its zone of contact with the bob- :assenze i v1v bin, lt'frhereby the 'thread-.end .is picked :away from the bobbin.

.111. Apparatus for removing the residual thread rom bobbins which comprises ta cylindrical :setapeous member, means for .supporting :said bobbin and :moving ina linear yldireetnmdzo .bring thread into contact with said'se'taeeous Amember, .means acting :independently rofisaid member for 4rotating the lbobbin while .in contact with .said seta'ceous member vand in the same direc-tion that the 'thread is wound 'on 'the Ebo'ldbin, and :means for ,rotating :said member the :sanne direction fthat fthe bobbin is ,rotated so `that its surface :speed is on the 'order vof the speed fof lineair1 movement of the b'obbin, whereby 'fthe thread-'end is picked :away .from the bobbin.

1l. Apparatus for #removing the residual thread -f-rom bobbins which comprises a member -presenting :a yieldable thread-.clinging .'surface, '.means acting independently ,of Ysaid member for rotating the bobbin with its thread in contact with sai-d surface and in the Adirection lto :pick out the thread-end on the bobbin .and Imeans for engaging the picked-out thread-end and lwithdrawing all .of the thread 'from the bobbin.

l2. Apparatus for removing `the `residual thread Ifrom bobbins Awhich comprises .a member `presenting a yieldable thread-clinging surface, means acting independently :of :said member for :rotating the bobbin with its .thread in contact `with said surface and in the same direction that the thread is wound on the :bobbin to thereby pick out the thread-end .on the bobbin, and a pair .of rotating .contacting rollers `to engage the picked-out :thread-end and -withdraw all of the thread :from .the bobbin.

13. Apparatus -for removing .the residual thread .from bobbins which comprises means vfor picking `out the thread-end and removing it from the thread package,.a lpair cfoppositely rotating coni- .cal rollers in contact with each other throughout their lengths to grasp the removed thread-end between them and withdraw all of the thread from lthe bobbin, and means for advancing thel bobbin from the small ends of .the rollers to the large ends to withdraw the thread at `a "constantly increasing rate.

flfi. Apparatus for removing the rresidual thread from bobbins which comprises means for picking out 'the thread-end .and .removing it from the 'thread package, -a pair of `oppositely rotating ssetaceous .conical rollers in contact with .each rother throughout their lengths to grasp the .removed thread send .between them and withdraw all of the `thread lfrom the bobbin, and means for advancing the .bobbin from .the small ends 4of the rollers 'to the 'large ends Vtc withdraw the thread at a constantly .increasing rate.

15. Apparatus Ifor removing .the residual thread .from bobbins which comprises a .setaceous member, means acting independently of said member or rotating `the hobbin 4with .its 4thread in contact with said member and in the same 4direction that the thread is wound on the ybobbin to thereby pick out the thread-end on the bobbin, .a pair of oppositely .rotating conical rollers in contact with each other along their lengths, and means for advancing the bobbin from said member to 'said .rollers to yengage the picked-out thread-end with the .rollers to Aeffect withdrawal of thread, said advancing .means .serving :to carry the bobbin from the .smaller to the larger end of the rollers .so 'that the withdrawal `of the thread .from 7the bobb'i-n takes place .at .an increasing rate.

16. Apparatus :for removing the residual thread :Enom lbobbins which comprises .fa l'cylindrical :setaceous member, means :for lsupporting said bobbin with 'its .thread in .contact 'with the yrotating memliber, means ractin'g independently of said .member .for rotating the bobbinlwhile in :contact with said setaceous :member :and .in 'the same direction tha't lthe lthread is "wound on the lbobbin, .means vfor rioltating fsaidmemb'erin the .same direction that the bobbin is rotated, means for tmo'ving :the bobbin tangentially of the member .in the same :direction -of `the linear .movement of '.theimember :at its `zone 'of contact with v.the bobbin, whereby the thread- .fend Lis picked away .from the bobbin, fand a pair of loppositely rotating `conical .rollers in Contact with leach other 'along their lengths with 'their small .ends #disposed towards the setaceous member .and along which the bobbin is .advanced from ltlflesm'all ends 'fto the .large ends thereof ,.sad conical rollers .serving to withdraw ythe thread ata constantly 'increasing rate.

Il?. Apparatus for removing the residual thread bobbins which comprises .a pair of .endless band-'s spaced laterally .from Veach other, a plurality of spaced rods perpendicular to and connecting .said bonds, aligned sets of bobbin supports .silifdably mounted 'upon said rods .and including rotatably-mounted .members for directly engaging the bobbin, a .spring for drawing the bobbin supportsiof feach set .toward each other, means for .delivering a vbo'bbin to .each set of bobbn supports, means for :separating the aligned .bobbin supports whereby the bobbin is received between them rand then is -engaged by said members, 4a member presenting 'a yieldable thread-clinging surface in position rto 'be contacted vby the thread on the bobbin, 'means facting independently Aof said imember .for rotating vthe bobbin while in contact with the latter member whereby its thread-clinging 'surface serves to thereby remove the threadend,.means for Vengaging the removed thread-end and withdrawing all of the thread from the bobbin, and means for `driving said bands to .advance the bobbin vfrom said :delivery 'means to said thread-'end removing .member :and 'then vto 'the ltlnaad withdrawal means, said means for separating said members serving to discharge 'the cleaned bobbn.

18. Apparatus .for removing the residual thread from bobbins 'which comprises a pair of endless bands -spaced laterally .from each other, a plurality of spaced .rods perpendicular `to .and connecting .said bands, aligned :sets of bobbin supports slidably mounted upon said rods and including rotatably mounted members for directly engaging the bobbin, :a spring for drawing the bobbin sulp- `pcrtsfof each 'set toward each othenmeans .for delivering a bobbin to each set of b'obbin supports, means for .separating the aligned bobbin supports whereby the bobbln is received between them and then is engaged by said members, .a seltaceous member disposed to be contacted by the thread on the bobbin, means acting independently of said member vfor rotating the bobbin while in contact with the latter member whereby it serves to thereby remove the thread-end, a pair of 'oppositely rotating conical rollers in contact with each other throughout their lengths to engage the removed thread-end and withdraw all the thread 'from the bobbin, and 'means for driving the vbands to ad- Vance the lbobbin from said ydelivery means to said -ssetaceous member and then along said conical .rollers from their small to their large ends, 'said means for separating said members serving to dis- .charge the cleaned bobbin..

1.9. .Apparatus for removing the residual thread 19 from bobbins which comprises a pair of endless bands spaced laterally from each other, aligned sets of bobbin supports spaced along said bands, a hopper for the bobbins to be cleaned, a gate mechanism for the hopper, an operative connection between the gate mechanism and saidv aligned bobbin supports to actuate the gate mechanism .by the movement of each set of bobbin supports and release a bobbin which is delivered to each set of supports, a member presenting aK yieldable thread-clinging surface in position to be contacted by the thread on the bobbin, means acting independently'of said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with the latter member whereby it serves to thereby remove the thready end, means for engagingthe removed thread-end and withdrawing all of the thread from the bobbin, and means for driving said bands to advance the bobbin from said delivery means to said member and then to the thread withdrawal means.

, 20. Apparatus for removing the residual thread x from bobbins which comprises a pair of endless bands spaced laterally from each other, aligned sets of bobbin supports spaced along said bands,

Aa hopper for the bobbins to be cleaned, a gate mechanism for the hopper comprising a bobbin discharge controlling element and a cooperating element thereabove to hold back the bobbins above the one to be discharged, an operative connection between the gate mechanism and said aligned bobbin supports to actuate the gate mechvanism by the movement of each set of bobbin supports and release a bobbin which is delivered to each set of supports, a member presenting a yieldable thread-clinging surface in position to be contacted by the thread on the bobbin, means acting independently of said member for rotating the vbobbin while in contact with the latter member whereby it serves to thereby remove the threadend, means for engaging the removed thread-end and withdrawing all of the thread from the bobbin, and means for driving said bands to advance the bobbin from said delivery means to said member and then to the thread withdrawal means.

- 21. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a pair of spaced horizontal shafts, a pair of equi-distantly spaced sprockets -on each shaft, a chain running over corresponding ones of said pairs of Vsprockets to thereby present an upper flight and a lower ight for each chain, bobbin supporting means carried Eby each chain at points directly opposite from each other to constitute sets of supports for vthe bobbins, means associated with the upper ilights of the chains to deliver a bobbin to each set of bobbin supporting means, a member presenting a surface for picking out the thread-end on each bobbin and disposed to be contacted by the thread -on each bobbin at the initial portion of the lower nights of the chains, means acting independently of said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with said member to bring the thread end to the surface of the member, and

supports for. the bobbins', means for yieldably urging the supports of each set towards each other, means associated with the upper flights of the chains to deliver a bobbin to each setzof said bobbin `supporting means, cam means for separating the retractable bobbin supports in ad- -vance of the bobbin delivery means so the bobbin will be receivedbetween them,"said cam means terminating at a point to permit the bobbin supports to move toward :each other and' pick up the bobbin under the influence of theyieldable means, a member presenting "a .surface for pick- .ing out the thread-end on each bobbin and disposed to becontacted by the thread on each bobbin at the initial portion of the lower iiights of the chains, means acting independently of said member for rotating the bobbin while in contact with said member to bring the threadend to the surface of the member and cooperating rollers disposed at a succeeding portion along the lower flights of the chains to withdraw all the thread from the bobbin, said cam means serving to separate said bobbin supports to release the cleaned bobbin.` i

23. Apparatus for removing the residual thread rfrom bobbins which comprises a pair of spaced horizontal shafts, a pair of equi-distantly spaced `sprockets on each shaft, a chain running over corresponding ones `of said pairs of sprockets to thereby present an upper ight and a lower ilight for each chain, bobbin supporting means carried by each chain at points directly opposite from each other to constitute setsl of supports for rthe bobbins, means associatedwith the upper flights of the chains to deliver a bobbin to each set of said bobbin supporting means, a `setaceous member disposed to be contacted by the thread on 'each bobbin at the initial portion of the lower flights of the chains, means acting independently of said member vfor rotating the bobbin while in contact with the member in the same direction that the thread is wound on the bobbin to thereby remove the thread-end from the bobbin, and cooperating rollers disposed at asucceeding portion alongthe lower lflights ofthe chains t`o withdraw all the thread from the bobbin. j

24. Apparatus for removing the residual thread from bobbins which comprises a pair of'spaced horizontal shafts, a pair of ve'qui-distantly spaced sprockets on each shaft, a chain running over corresponding ones of said pairsof sprockets'to 'thereby present an upper flight and a lower ight foreach chain, bobbin supporting means carried by each chainV at points directly opposite, from each other to constitute sets of supports for the bobbins, means associatedrwith the upper ights of the chains to deliver a' bobbin to each set of said bobbin supporting means, a cylindrical setaceous member disposedy to be contacted by the thread on each bobbin at the initial portion of the lower ights of the chains, means `for rotating the bobbin while in'contact withth'e member in the same direction that the thread is Wound on the bobbin, means for rotating said cylindrical member in the same vdirection that the bobbin is rotated, whereby the thread-en djis removed from the bobbin, `and cooperating conical rollers disposed at a succeeding portion along the lower ights of the chains with their small ends toward the cylindrical member to withdraw all the thready from` the bobbin.

25. The process `for removingV the residual thread from bobbins vwlflich'comprisesv rotating the bobbin rinY theusame directionv thatfthe thread is `wound. thereon while the i thread `is inV contact 

